Braised Moroccan Lamb Chops

Tender lamb chops pair naturally with the spices common to Moroccan cuisine. Simmer them just until tender in this fragrant braise, then serve them over a bed of fluffy couscous to soak up all the juices.

 

Braised Moroccan Lamb Chops

 

1/4 cup (1 1/2 oz./45 g.) all-purpose flour

Salt and freshly ground pepper

4 lb. (2 kg.) lamb shoulder chops, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm.) thick

3 Tbs. olive oil

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. paprika

2 cups (16 fl. oz./500 ml.) beef broth

Juice of 1 lemon

1 1/2 cups (7 1/2 oz./235 g.) green olives, pitted if desired

1/2 cup (3/4 oz./20 g.) minced fresh mint

 

On a large plate, stir together the flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Coat the lamb chops evenly with the flour mixture, shaking off the excess; reserve the remaining flour mixture. In a large fry pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the lamb chops, turning once, until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker.

 

Pour off all but about 1 tablespoon fat from the fry pan and return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent, 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with the cumin, paprika and reserved flour mixture and saute briefly, just until fragrant. Pour in the broth and lemon juice. Raise the heat to high, bring to a boil and stir to scrape up any browned bits on the pan bottom. Pour the contents of the pan over the lamb.

 

Cover and cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours or the low setting for 6-8 hours. The lamb should be very tender. About 1 hour before the lamb is done, add the olives. When the lamb is ready, transfer it to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Skim any fat from the surface of the braising liquid. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the mint. Spoon the sauce over the lamb and serve. Serves 6-8.